In a bid to check desertification, Borno State government is planning to raise over 300,000 seedlings of assorted tree species to compliment the efforts of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW).

Head, Press and Public Relations of NAGGW, Mrs. Larai Daze, said these would tackle the detrimental social, economic and environmental impacts of land degradation and drought in North East of Nigeria. The tree species include Neem, Jathropha, and Gum Arabic.

“As normalcy is gradually returning to Borno State, Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has through the state Ministry of Environment raised seedlings of assorted tree species to people to cultivate. This is important projects to bring back its losses over the years.”

According to Daze, Great Green Wall programme is one of the Federal Government projects in some parts of Borno State gravely affected by the insurgency activities and needed planting of tree crops, boreholes in these areas.

“The seedlings are expected to be used for this year’s planting which will soon commence. Great Green Wall programme is a laudable achievement of the African Union towards fighting desertification which poses a great threat to the frontline countries,” she added.

To her, with this development, State Governments should be the key drivers in the implementation stage of GGW projects serving as a pivot to sustain the programme initiated by federal and in collaboration with local governments.